13 rescued after 10-year forced labour in Punjab Pakistan

HAFIZABAD [Punjab- Pakistan]: The police rescued 13 forced labourers from a private jail of a landlord during a crackdown after 10 years illegal confinement on Feb 12.

On directives of Lahore High Court, a judicial bailiff and heavy contingent of police conducted raid on the private jail of an influential landlord in Hafizabad. During action, 13 peasants including five women were rescued who were set free on the directives of the court. The released persons said that they were serving as forced labourers for the last 10 years. “Besides torture, sexual harassment, we were provided substandard and least quantity of food,” the labourers said.

The police registered a case against the landlord who managed to flee on getting prior information of the action and started search for him.